October 02, 2016

Ryan Howard hit his first and last Phillies home runs against Mets

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard spoke on numerous occasions Sunday afternoon, in what was likely his final game with the club that he's spent his entire career with.

One of those occasions that Howard spoke was to the collective media after the game, where he reminded the media that he hit both his first, and likely last, home runs with the club against the New York Mets.

Howard's first career home run came on Sept. 11, 2001, while he donned No. 12, at Shea Stadium against the New York Mets.

Following that home run, Howard won a Rookie of the Year, the National League MVP, and lead the Phillies to five National League East titles and a World Series title.

He also hit 380 more home runs before things came full circle and he hit his 382, and likely final, home run with the club Saturday.

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The differences between the two home runs are noticeable. Howard hit his first home run in Shea Stadium, which last housed the Mets in 2008. He hit his final home run in the Phillies cream alternate home jersey, which didn't exist until 2008, four seasons after he hit his first home run with the club. He also cut his number in half to what eventually became his iconic No. 6, a number that no one is likely to wear in Philadelphia for some time to come.

Howard finished his Phillies career Sunday with 382 home runs, which puts him within striking distance of 400 home runs, should he continue his career in 2017. Those 18 home runs would have to come in a different jersey, however, something Howard, who has spent his entire career to this point with the Phillies, has obviously never done.

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Would have been pretty amazing if he hit his first home run for Philadelphia 3 years prior to his MLB debut and only months after being drafted,but I don't think any games were played on September 11th, 2001.